Device and method for treating vascular abnormalities

ABSTRACT

A vascular device is provided that includes a tubular structure and an occluding structure. The tubular structure has inner and outer layers, with the occluding structure located between the inner and outer layers. Each of the inner and outer layers may define a different pick count, and the tubular structure may include a leading edge at a transition between the pick counts. The leading edge may be disposed at the distal end of the vascular device when the device is deployed from a delivery device. Furthermore, the occluding structure may have first and second layers formed by the inversion or eversion of the occluding structure and the subsequent coupling of its free ends to form a continuous structure. Thus, any loose ends may be sealed to minimize unraveling and/or shifting of the occluding structure within the tubular structure. A method of making the vascular device is also provided.

BACKGROUND

I. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to vasculardevices for treating certain vascular abnormalities, such as aneurysms.In particular, embodiments are directed to vascular devices includingstents, grafts, and stent-grafts and methods for making vascular deviceshaving a low profile for delivery and deployment in a patient'svasculature, such as the vessels of the thoracic area.

II. Description of the Related Art

Stents and grafts, both biological and synthetic, have been used for alarge array of reparative vascular procedures, such as to treatobstructive vessels and aneurysms. An aortic aneurysm, for example, is aweakened, enlarged area in the aorta, which is the main blood vesselthat carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Weaknesses inthe aortic wall may be caused by medical conditions, such asarteriosclerosis. As blood flows through the aorta, the weak vessel wallthins over time and expands like a balloon, which can eventually burstif the vessel wall gets too thin.

Once an aortic aneurysm reaches about 5 cm in diameter, it is usuallyconsidered necessary to treat the aneurysm in an effort to prevent itfrom rupturing. Below 5 cm, the risk of the aneurysm rupturing is lowerthan the risk of conventional heart surgery in patients with normalsurgical risks. The goal of therapy for aneurysms is to prevent theaorta from rupturing. Once an aortic aneurysm has ruptured, the chancesof survival are low. Death may be avoided, however, if the aneurysm isdetected and treated at an early stage, ideally when the aneurysm issmaller than about 5 cm, using a lower risk procedure.

Aneurysms may be treated with surgery. The surgical procedure fortreating some types of aortic aneurysms involves replacing the affectedportion of the aorta with a synthetic graft, which may comprise a tubemade out of an elastomer or polymer material with properties that areintended to substitute the function of a normal, healthy aorta. Surgicaltreatment is complex, however, and may pose additional risks to thepatient, especially the elderly.

More recently, instead of performing surgery to repair an aneurysm, anendovascular stent-graft may be delivered to the site of the aneurysmusing elongated catheters. An endovascular stent-graft is a tube thatincludes a blood-impervious fabric supported by a metal mesh. It can beused to treat a variety of conditions involving blood vessels, but mostcommonly is used to reinforce a vessel wall at the site of an aneurysm.

To deliver a stent-graft to a target site in a patient's vasculature,typically, the surgeon will make a small incision in the patient's groinarea and then insert a delivery catheter into the vasculature. Thedelivery catheter usually contains a collapsed, self-expanding orballoon-expandable stent-graft, which is configured to expand toapproximately the normal diameter of the aorta at the location of theaneurysm or other abnormality once the stent-graft is deployed from thedistal end of the delivery catheter. Over time, the stent-graft maybecome endothelialized, and the space between the outer wall of thestent-graft and the aneurysm should fill with clotted blood, preventingthe aneurysm from growing further due to the stent-graft effectivelybypassing (excluding) the aneurysm and prohibiting blood pressure andflow on the weakened segment of the patient's vasculature.

Depending on where the aneurysm is in relation to other branch vessels,different stent-graft design variations may be needed, for example, toavoid excluding blood flow through arteries that branch off from theaorta near the target site. Moreover, the stent-graft should be anchoredwithin the lumen to reduce the incidence of migration, such as bypromoting endothelialization or fixation with the vessel. Anotherconsideration is the occurrence of endoleaks as a result of bloodflowing around the stent, which may cause further weakening of thevessel wall at the site of the aneurysm.

Furthermore, the size of the delivery catheter may affect the ability ofthe surgeon to manipulate the catheter within the patient's vasculature.For example, when the aneurysm is located in a vessel having a smalldiameter and/or when the vessel diameter is reduced in size due toarteriosclerosis, larger delivery catheters may not be used or, at best,may result in trauma to the vascular tissue. Thus, the smaller thedelivery catheter, the less tissue trauma should result and the easierit should be to accurately deliver the stent-graft at the properlocation. Smaller delivery catheters also typically allow a physician toaccess smaller vessels, so as to more proactively treat aneurysms in alarger patient population.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved vascular graft that iscapable of being deployed using smaller-diameter delivery devices, isflexible for delivery through tortuous sections of vasculature, provideseffective and rapid exclusion at the target site, is able to maintainits vascular position, and overcomes the shortcomings of conventionalsolutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments therefore provide a vascular device and method for makingthe same for deployment within a body lumen of a patient. In general,the vascular device may include a tubular structure comprising an innerlayer and an outer layer. The vascular device may be configured suchthat the inner and outer layers experience relatively little movementwith respect to each other as the device moves between a contractedstate when constrained within a delivery device and an expanded statewhen deployed from the delivery device for delivery to a target sitewithin the vessel lumen. In some cases, the inner and outer layers mayhave free ends proximate a proximal end of the vascular device and maybe continuous at a distal end of the vascular device. Furthermore, thetubular structure may include a leading edge at a transition between theinner and outer layers. The leading edge may be configured to providefor accurate delivery to a target site and proper fixation to theluminal wall and may provide a low profile of the vascular device,especially near the distal end of the vascular device.

In one embodiment, a vascular device is provided that is configured tomove between a contracted state when constrained within a deliverydevice and an expanded state when deployed from the delivery device fordelivery to a target site within the body lumen. The vascular device mayinclude a proximal end and a distal end and may comprise a tubularstructure comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein theinner layer defines a first pick count and the outer layer defines asecond pick count. The inner layer of the tubular structure may becontinuously braided with the outer layer of the tubular structure, andthe first pick count, as braided, may be different from the second pickcount, as braided. The first and second pick counts may be selected suchthat the relationship between the reduction in diameter and theelongation of the inner layer is substantially the same as therelationship between the reduction in diameter and the elongation of theouter layer as the vascular device is moved between the expanded stateand the contracted state.

In some cases, the tubular structure may comprise a leading edge at atransition between the first pick count and the second pick count, andthe leading edge may be disposed proximate the distal end of thevascular device when the vascular device is in the expanded state. Theleading edge may be disposed within an interior of the vascular devicewhen the vascular device is in the contracted state and may beconfigured to move to the distal end as the vascular device is deployedfrom the delivery device. Furthermore, each of the inner and outerlayers of the tubular structure may comprise a free end proximate theproximal end of the vascular device. The first pick count, as braided,may be higher than the second pick count, as braided.

The vascular device may further comprise an occluding structure disposedbetween the inner and outer layers of the tubular structure. Theoccluding structure may be tubular in shape and may comprise a firstlayer and a second layer disposed between the inner and outer layers ofthe tubular structure. The first and second layers of the occludingstructure may form a continuous structure via a coupling of free ends ofthe occluding structure, and the coupled free ends may be disposedadjacent the inner layer of the tubular structure. In some cases, theoccluding structure may be attached to at least one of the inner layeror the outer layer of the tubular structure. The occluding structure maycomprise a polymer material. Furthermore, the occluding structure mayextend substantially from the distal end of the vascular devicesubstantially to the proximal end of the vascular device. The outerlayer of the tubular structure may include a section of increasedthickness configured to maintain the vascular device within a deliverydevice prior to deployment. Also, in the expanded state, the inner layerof the tubular structure may define a length that is greater than alength defined by the outer layer of the tubular structure.

In some embodiments, a method of making a vascular device for placementin a body lumen is provided. The method may include braiding a tubularstructure including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein theproximal portion defines a first pick count and the distal portiondefines a second pick count, the first pick count being different thanthe second pick count. The method may further include folding thetubular structure onto itself such that a surface of the proximalportion of the tubular structure is adjacent a surface of the distalportion of the tubular structure to form an inner layer and an outerlayer. After being folded, the relationship between the reduction indiameter and the elongation of the inner layer may be substantially thesame as the relationship between the reduction in diameter and theelongation of the outer layer as the vascular device is moved between anexpanded state and a contracted state.

The step of folding the tubular structure onto itself may comprisedefining a leading edge at a transition between the first pick count andthe second pick count. In some cases, the method may further compriseheat setting the tubular structure proximate the transition. The secondpick count may be lower than the first pick count, and the step offolding the tubular structure onto itself may comprise everting thetubular structure, such that the distal portion forms the outer layer.Alternatively, the second pick count may be higher than the first pickcount, and the step of folding the tubular structure onto itself maycomprise inverting the tubular structure, such that the distal portionforms the inner layer.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise placing anoccluding structure between the inner and outer layers of the tubularstructure. The occluding structure may be attached to at least one ofthe inner layer of the tubular structure or the outer layer of thetubular structure. In some cases, a section of increased thickness maybe formed proximate a distal end of the outer layer of the tubularstructure. The method may further comprise folding the occludingstructure onto itself and coupling the ends thereof together to formfirst and second layers of the occluding structure. The coupled ends ofthe occluding structure may define a seam, and the seam may be disposedproximate the distal end of the tubular structure.

In still further embodiments, a vascular device may be provided forplacement in a body lumen, where the vascular device includes a proximalend and a distal end. The vascular device may include a tubularstructure comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, and the tubularstructure may comprise braided metal strands. The vascular device mayfurther include an occluding structure comprising a first layer and asecond layer disposed between the inner and outer layers of the tubularstructures, wherein the occluding structure is independent of thetubular structure, and wherein the occluding structure comprises apolymer material.

In some cases, the first and second layers of the occluding structuremay form a continuous structure via a coupling of free ends of theoccluding structure. The coupled ends of the occluding structure maydefine a seam, and the seam may be disposed proximate the distal end ofthe tubular structure.

The vascular device may be configured to move between a contracted statewhen constrained within a delivery device and an expanded state whendeployed from the delivery device for delivery to a target site withinthe body lumen. The inner layer of the tubular structure may comprise afirst pick count, as braided, and the outer layer of the tubularstructure may comprise a second pick count, as braided, where therelationship between the reduction in diameter and the elongation of theinner layer is substantially the same as the relationship between thereduction in diameter and the elongation of the outer layer as thevascular device is moved between an expanded state and a contractedstate. The tubular structure may comprise a leading edge at a transitionbetween the first pick count and the second pick count, and the leadingedge may be disposed proximate the distal end of the vascular devicewhen the vascular device is in the expanded state. In some cases, theleading edge may be disposed in an interior of the vascular device whenthe vascular device is in the contracted state, and the leading edge maybe configured to move toward the distal end as the vascular device isdeployed from the delivery device.

In still other embodiments, a method of making a vascular device forplacement in a body lumen is provided, where the method includesbraiding a tubular structure including a proximal portion and a distalportion; folding the tubular structure onto itself such that a surfaceof the proximal portion of the tubular structure is adjacent a surfaceof the distal portion of the tubular structure to form an inner layerand an outer layer; folding an occluding structure onto itself, whereinthe occluding structure is independent of the tubular structure; andplacing the occluding structure between the inner and outer layers ofthe tubular members.

In some cases, the method further includes coupling ends of theoccluding structure together to form first and second layers of theoccluding structure. The coupled ends of the occluding structure maydefine a seam, and the seam may be disposed proximate the distal end ofthe tubular structure. The method may further comprise attaching theoccluding structure to at least one of the inner layer or the outerlayer of the tubular structure to hold the occluding structure in place.

In some embodiments of the method, the proximal portion of the tubularstructure may define a first pick count and the distal portion of thetubular structure may define a second pick count, wherein the first pickcount, as braided, is different from the second pick count, as braided.In addition, the relationship between the reduction in diameter and theelongation of the inner layer may be substantially the same as therelationship between the reduction in diameter and the elongation of theouter layer as the vascular device is moved between an expanded stateand a contracted state. The step of folding the tubular structure ontoitself may comprise defining a leading edge at a transition between thefirst pick count and the second pick count.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features and advantages of embodiments of the inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description of a preferred embodiment, especially whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which likenumerals in the several views refer to corresponding parts.

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a vascular device in a contractedstate according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a vascular device in an expandedstate according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a vascular device according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-section of the vascular device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an axial cross-section of the vascular device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vascular device in an expanded stateaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate eversion of a tubular structure according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the tubular structure showingdifferent pick counts in a proximal portion and a distal portionaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate deployment of a vascular device having a leadingedge from a delivery sheath according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate eversion of an occluding material to form anoccluding structure according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a distal portion of a deliverydevice for delivering a vascular device according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate deployment of a vascular device from the distalportion of the delivery device of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a vascular device with anoccluding structure having a section of increased thickness positionedwithin a distal portion of a delivery device according to an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, theinvention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As described in greater detail below, one embodiment of a vasculardevice generally includes a tubular structure comprising an inner layerand an outer layer, as well as an occluding structure disposed betweenthe inner and outer layers. The vascular device may be configured tomove between a contracted state when constrained within a deliverydevice and an expanded state when deployed from the delivery device fordelivery to a target site within the vessel lumen. In some cases, theinner and outer layers may have free ends proximate a proximal end ofthe vascular device and may be continuous at a distal end of thevascular device (e.g., the tubular structure may be everted or invertedto create the inner and outer layers). Furthermore, the tubularstructure may include a leading edge at a transition between a firstpick count and a second pick count, and the device may be configuredsuch that the leading edge is disposed at the distal end of the vasculardevice when the vascular device is in the expanded state. The leadingedge is configured to provide for accurate delivery to a target site andproper fixation to the luminal wall. In addition, the leading edgecontributes to a low profile of the vascular device, especially near thedistal end of the vascular device.

In still other embodiments, as described below, the occluding structure,which is between the inner and outer layers of the tubular structure,may include a first layer and a second layer. The first and secondlayers may form a continuous structure (e.g., the polymer fabric may beeverted or inverted to create the first and second layers). Moreover,free ends of the occluding structure may be fused together to create theclosed structure. In this way, any loose ends may be sealed so as toprevent unraveling and/or shifting of the polymer fabric within theinner and outer layers of the tubular structure.

In general, a stent, graft, or stent-graft, such the vascular device 100depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to one embodiment, has acontracted state (FIG. 1A) defining a length l₁ when constrained withina delivery device (such as a catheter) and an expanded state (FIG. 1B)defining a length l₂ when deployed from the delivery device for deliveryto a target site within the body lumen (e.g., the site of an aneurysm).For example, a vascular device having a predetermined shape may becollapsed by longitudinally stretching the vascular device (asillustrated in FIG. 1A) for inserting the device into the lumen of adelivery device (e.g., a guide catheter or delivery sheath). Thedelivery device may then be positioned and advanced in a patient's bodysuch that the distal end of the delivery device is adjacent to thetarget site. The vascular device may be advanced through the deliverydevice such that the distal end of the vascular device is near thedistal end of the delivery device. Thus, as the vascular device 100 isdeployed from the distal end of the delivery device, the diameter of thevascular device self-expands and draws the ends of the device closer toeach other. In other words, the overall length l₂ of the vascular devicewhen it is in an expanded state (e.g., deployed from the deliverydevice) is shorter than the overall length l₁ of the vascular devicewhen it is in a contracted state (e.g., undeployed from the deliverydevice).

It is understood that the use of the term “target site” is not meant tobe limiting, as the vascular device may be configured to treat anytarget site, such as an abnormality, a vessel, an organ, an opening, achamber, a channel, a hole, a cavity, or the like, located anywhere inthe body. The term “vascular abnormality,” as used herein is not meantto be limiting, as the vascular device 100 may be configured to bridgeor otherwise support a variety of vascular abnormalities. For example,the vascular abnormality could be any abnormality that affects the shapeof the native lumen, such as an aneurysm, a lesion, a vessel dissectionor a tumor. Embodiments of the vascular device may be useful in thevessels of a patient's thoracic area. Furthermore, the term “lumen” isalso not meant to be limiting, as the vascular abnormality may reside ina variety of locations within the vasculature, such as a vessel, anartery, a vein, a passageway, an organ, a cavity, or the like. For easeof explanation, the examples used herein refer to an aneurysm.Furthermore, the term “vascular device” is used herein to describe abraided, self-expanding stent or a graft incorporating a self-expandingstent as a structural component.

Once the delivery device is in position at the target site, the vasculardevice may be urged through the delivery device and out the distal endof the delivery device, whereupon it may substantially return to itsexpanded state (as illustrated in FIG. 1B). The delivery device may thenbe removed from the patient's body, leaving the vascular devicepositioned at the target site.

Referring to FIG. 2, the vascular device 100 defines a proximal end 105and a distal end 110 in the contracted state and in the expanded state,as well as in states in between the contracted and expanded states(e.g., in the process of being deployed from a delivery device, when,for example, part of the vascular device is in the contracted statewithin the delivery device and part of the vascular device is in theexpanded state outside of the delivery device). As used herein, the term“proximal” refers to a part of the vascular device 100 or the deliverydevice 250 that is closest to the operator, and the term “distal” refersto a part of the vascular device or the delivery device that is fartherfrom the operator at any given time as the vascular device is beingdelivered through the delivery device.

As noted above, the vascular device 100 may be configured to be movedbetween a contracted state and an expanded state. For example, in FIG.1A the vascular device 100 is shown in a contracted state, whereas inFIG. 1B, the vascular device is shown in an expanded state. The vasculardevice 100 may be in the contracted state, for example, when the ends105, 110 of the device are pulled away from each other and/or a radialconstraint is applied to the device. In other words, as shown in FIG. 2,the application of a tensile force F on the ends of the device 100 mayserve to collapse the outer diameter d of the device such that it may bereceived within a lumen of a delivery device in the contracted state fordelivery to the target site. Thus, in this example, the delivery device(e.g., a catheter) applies the radial constraint to maintain thevascular device 100 in the contracted state.

The vascular device 100 may be configured, however, such that, when theradial constraint is removed, the device can self-expand to the expandedstate shown in FIG. 1B. For example, as the vascular device 100 isunsheathed from the delivery device, portions of the vascular devicethat are no longer constrained by the delivery device may self-expandand freely return to the expanded state, and once the vascular devicehas been fully deployed from the delivery device proximate the targetsite, the vascular device will at least partially assume the expandedstate. For example, the vessel diameter may limit complete return to theexpanded state.

In this regard, and with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, embodiments ofthe vascular device 100 may comprise a tubular structure 115 and anoccluding structure 120. The tubular structure 115 may be configured tohave properties that allow the vascular device 100 to self-expand fromthe contracted state to the expanded state. Such properties, forexample, may be imparted through proper selection of the materials formaking the device as well as through the manufacturing process.

The tubular structure 115, in some cases, may be formed by braiding,interweaving, knitting, or otherwise combining filamentary materialstogether, such as by using a conventional braiding machine. Thesefilamentary materials may include, for example, fibers, thread, yarn,cable, metallic wires, polymer monofilament or multifilament strands,and combinations of these materials, any of which are referenced hereinas “strands,” and such terms may be used interchangeably. The strandsmay be comprised of any material, such as natural materials, polymers,metals, metallic alloys, or combinations of the same. In someapplications, wire strands may be used. The wire strands may be formedof a material that is both resilient and can be heat treated tostabilize the tubular structure 115 (e.g., to substantially set adesired shape or braid pattern). The braid of the tubular structure 115may be chosen to have a predetermined pick and pitch to define openingsor fenestrations so as to vary the impedance of blood flow therethrough.

With respect to vascular devices, where it is important for the deviceto be delivered to a target site in the body in a reduced profileconfiguration and subsequently allowed to self-expand after beingreleased from the constraint, stainless steel, other metallic alloys,highly elastic alloys, and/or shape memory alloys may be used that areboth resilient and can be heat treated to substantially set a desiredshape. Exemplary suitable materials may include, for example,cobalt-based low thermal expansion alloys referred to as Elgiloy®Co—Cr—Ni alloy, nickel-based high temperature high-strength“superalloys” (for example, alloys commercially available from HaynesInternational under the trade name Hastelloy® alloy), nickel-based heattreatable alloys (for example, alloys commercially available fromInternational Nickel under the trade name Incoloy® alloy) and a numberof different grades of stainless steel.

In some embodiments, a factor in choosing a suitable material for thestrands is the ability of the strands to retain a suitable amount of thedeformation induced by the molding surface when subjected to apredetermined heat treatment, such as is exhibited by shape-memoryalloys. One type of shape memory alloy is nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy,called Nitinol alloy, which is also very elastic. In vascular deviceapplications, for example, this elasticity may allow a self-expandingvascular device to return to a preset expanded configuration from acontracted configuration once it is deployed from a delivery device andis no longer constrained. Accordingly, in some embodiments, at leastsome of the strands comprise a shape memory alloy. Other materialshaving elastic properties may also be used, such as spring stainlesssteel and alloys such as Elgiloy®, Hastelloy®, Phynox®, MP35N®, andCoCrMo alloys.

In some instances, polymeric materials may also be used for the strands.Furthermore, polymeric materials may be combined with other materials inthe formation of tubular structures for certain applications. Forexample, the tubular structure may include a combination of polyamidetubing and stainless steel wire. In other cases, materials may be usedthat are compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), consideringthat some materials may generate heat or experience torque as a resultof undergoing MRI or may distort the MRI image. Thus, metallic and/ornon-metallic materials that reduce or eliminate the potential problemsresulting from the use of MRI may be used, depending on the application.

Further examples of materials and manufacturing methods for vasculardevices with shape memory properties are provided in U.S. PublicationNo. 2007/0265656 titled “Multi-layer Braided Structures for OccludingVascular Defects” and filed on Jun. 21, 2007, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

Referring again to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the tubular structure 115 mayinclude an inner layer 115 i and an outer layer 115 o. In someembodiments, each of the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o has a freeend 125, 126, and the inner and outer layers may be continuous at anopposite end 130 of the tubular structure 115. For example, turning toFIG. 6, the tubular structure 115 may be initially braided defining aproximal portion 135 and a distal portion 140. The tubular structure 115may be folded onto itself, as shown by the arrows A, such that the outersurface 136 of the proximal portion 135 is adjacent the inner surface141 of the distal portion 140 to form the inner layer 115 i and theouter layer 115 o. In other words, the tubular structure 115 may beeverted, such that the distal portion 140 forms the outer layer 115 o(as shown in FIG. 6), or the tubular structure 115 may be inverted, suchthat the distal portion forms the inner layer 115 i (not shown).

In some embodiments, the pick count, or the number of strand crossingsper unit length of the braided tubular structure (i.e., along alongitudinal axis X), may be set at one predetermined value for braidingthe proximal portion 135 and may be changed to a different predeterminedvalue for braiding the distal portion 140. The pick count for braidingeach portion of the tubular structure may be changed in various ways, asknown in the art in light of this disclosure. For example, for a givenrate of spool carrier movement by the braiding machine, the pick countcan be increased by increasing the number of strands being braided or byslowing the axial speed of the mandrel onto which the strands are beingbraided (i.e., the movement of the mandrel along the longitudinal axisX). Alternatively, the rotational speed of movement of a fixed number ofcarriers may be increased relative to the axial speed of the mandrel.

Thus, with reference to FIGS. 6A-7, the tubular structure 115 may bebraided such that the proximal portion 135 has a first pick count andthe distal portion 140 has a second pick count. In one embodiment, forexample, one of the first and second pick counts may be set at a valuein the range of 25-34 PPI (picks per inch), whereas the other of the twopick counts may be set at a value in the range of 38-46 PPI. As shown inFIG. 7, the proximal portion 135 may have a higher pick count than thedistal portion 140. When a compression force is applied to the ends ofthe braided tubular structure (prior to inversion or eversion), theportion of the tubular structure 115 having a lower pick count expandsto a larger diameter than the portion having a higher pick count. Thisis because the portion with the lower pick count has the ability toexpand to a larger diameter when compressed than the portion with thehigher pick count. Thus, for example, when the first pick count(proximal portion 135) is higher than the second pick count (distalportion 140), the diameter of the distal portion is larger than thediameter of the proximal portion when the compression force is applied,thereby enabling the folding over of the tubular structure 115 as shownin FIGS. 6A-6C.

Depending on which of the first and second pick counts is higher, eitherinversion or eversion of the distal portion 140 is facilitated, and aleading edge 150 is created at a transition 152 between the first andsecond pick counts once the braided tubular structure has been foldedonto itself (everted or inverted). Accordingly, in some embodiments, thecontinuous end 130 of the tubular structure may have a leading edge 150disposed at the distal end 110 of the vascular device 100 when thedevice is in the expanded state, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, andthe leading edge 150 may be defined by the transition 152 (shown in FIG.7) between the first and second pick counts.

Said differently, when the first pick count (e.g., proximal portion 135)is higher than the second pick count (e.g., distal portion 140),eversion of the braided tubular structure 115 is facilitated such thatthe proximal portion forms the inner layer 115 i. As a result, after thetubular structure has been everted to form the vascular device 100, theinner layer 115 i may comprise the first pick count, and the outer layer115 o may comprise the second pick count. Conversely, when the firstpick count (e.g., proximal portion 135) is lower than the second pickcount (e.g., distal portion 140), inversion of the braided tubularstructure 115 is facilitated, such that the distal portion forms theinner layer 115 i. As a result, after the tubular structure has beeninverted to form the vascular device 100, the outer layer 115 o maycomprise the first pick count, and the inner layer 115 i may comprisethe second pick count. In either case, due to the transition between thefirst and second pick counts, a leading edge 150 is formed at thetransition 152, proximate the distal end 110 of the vascular device 100,once the tubular structure has been folded over to form the inner andouter layers 115 i, 115 o.

In the expanded state, the inner layer 115 i and the outer layer 115 omay be heat set at the transition 152 to memorize predetermined,expanded state (everted or inverted) diameters. A shim may be placedbetween the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o, during the heat settingprocess, where the shim has a thickness that approximates the thicknessof an occlusive structure that later may be placed between the inner andouter layers of the tubular structure 115. The heat setting mold mayalso have surfaces for shaping a taper at the proximal end and/or thedistal end of the tubular structure 115.

Although the first pick count, as braided, is different from the secondpick count, as braided, the first and second pick counts may be selectedsuch that the relationship between the reduction in diameter and theelongation for each layer (inner 115 i and outer 115 o) is substantiallythe same once the tubular structure has been folded over onto itself(FIG. 6C). For example, a ratio of the decrease in diameter of the innerlayer 115 i to the increase in length of the inner layer 115 i may besubstantially the same as a ratio of the decrease in diameter of theouter layer 115 o to the increase in length of the outer layer 115 o.Thus, adjacent portions of the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o mayremain in their relative adjacent positions as the tubular structure 115moves between the expanded and contracted states. In this way, the innerlayer 115 i and the outer layer 115 o of the vascular device maycooperatively collapse and expand at generally the same rate, whichenhances the stability of the vascular device and facilitates itsdelivery into the vessel lumen and subsequent self-expansion.

In some embodiments, the position of the leading edge 150 may change asthe vascular device 100 is moved from the contracted state to theexpanded state (e.g., in the course of deployment from the deliverydevice). For example, referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, the leading edge 150 maybe disposed within an interior 155 of the vascular device 100 as loadedin the delivery device sheath 160 in the contracted state (FIG. 8A), butmay roll outward as the sheath is retracted (FIG. 8B) to uncover thevascular device such that, once deployed, the leading edge is disposedat the distal end 110 of the vascular device in the expanded state (FIG.8C).

As noted above, the difference in pick count, as braided, facilitatesthe fold over of the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o of the tubularstructure and gives rise to the creation of a leading edge 150 proximatethe distal end 110 of the vascular device 100. In other words, theleading edge 150 is created at or in the vicinity of the distal end 110of the vascular device. The leading edge 150, in turn, makes it possiblefor the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o to lie in close proximity toone another, spaced apart only by the thickness of any occlusivestructure therebetween, which allows the vascular device 100 to have alow profile during delivery through a small-diameter delivery device.Furthermore, without a leading edge 150 at the transition 152, thedistal end 110 would have a rounded configuration, creating a gapbetween the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o and potentially causingblood flow leakage and reduced retention force in the expanded statewithin the vessel. Thus, in some embodiments, the leading edge 150 maypromote secure attachment of the vascular device to the vessel wall andminimize the risk of dislodgement.

In some embodiments, the distal and/or proximal ends of the vasculardevice may be flared inward or outward. A flare may, for example, aid inthe self-expansion of the vascular device, and an outward flare mayallow the respective portion of the vascular device to place a greaterexternal pressure upon the vessel, so as to more firmly engage with thevessel wall, again reducing the likelihood of migration of the vasculardevice. Moreover, in some embodiments, the flare imparted to theproximal end is more prominent than the flare at the distal end. In FIG.5, only the proximal end of the inner layer 115 i is flared outward.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the vascular device 100 may includean occluding structure 120 disposed between the inner and outer layers115 i, 115 o, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The occlusive structure 120 mayinclude one or more layers of occlusive material, which may be anymaterial that is configured to enhance the impedance of blood flowthrough the vascular device so as to facilitate thrombosis andendothlialization. As used herein, “substantially preclude or impedeflow” shall mean, functionally, that blood flow may occur for a shorttime, e.g., about 5 minutes to 48 hours, through the occlusive material,but that the body's clotting mechanism or protein or other body depositson the strands of the occluding structure 120 and/or the tubularstructure 115 results in occlusion or flow stoppage after this initialtime period. For instance, occlusion may be clinically represented byinjecting a contrast media into the upstream lumen of the vasculardevice and if no contrast media flows through the wall of the vasculardevice after a predetermined period of time as viewed by fluoroscopy,then the position and occlusion of the vascular device is adequate.Moreover, occlusion of the vascular abnormality (e.g., the aneurysm)could be assessed using various echo modalities.

Turning to FIGS. 4, 9A, and 9B, in some embodiments, the occludingstructure 120, which may be tubular in shape to correspond to the shapeof the tubular structure 115, may include a first layer 120 f and asecond layer 120 s disposed between the inner and outer layers 115 i,115 o of the tubular structure. The first and second layers 120 f, 120 smay form a continuous structure via a coupling (e.g., a single seam 165)that joins together free ends 170 of the structure. In this regard, andsimilar to the tubular structure 115, the occluding structure 120 may beformed by initially braiding strands onto a mandrel to achieve a tubularconfiguration. In some embodiments, for example, the occluding structure120 may be made of 135 denier, 34 filament polyester yarn. The occludingstructure may then be folded onto itself (inverted or everted) as shownin FIG. 9A, and the free ends 170 of the material may be coupledtogether to form the continuous occluding structure 120. Thus, thecoupled ends of the occluding structure 120 may define a circumferentialseam 165.

The free ends 170 may be coupled together through melting, heating,bonding, or other processes for joining the two ends to form thecontinuous occluding structure 120. For example, in some cases, the seam165 may be a weld, such as a hot wire melted weld, effectively sealing avolume created between the first and second layers 120 f, 120 s. Thus,through such coupling of the free ends 170, fraying and/or unraveling ofthe occluding material that may otherwise occur at the free ends (andany particulate generation that may result from this fraying and/orunraveling) may be avoided. In addition, the risk of the occludingstructure 120 becoming dislodged from or shifting positions within thetubular structure 115 may be minimized.

To further reduce the risk of dislodgment or shifting of the occludingstructure 120 within the tubular structure 115, the occluding structuremay be attached to at least one of the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115o. For example, the occluding structure 120 may be held in place betweenthe inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o of the tubular structure throughthe use of sutures 185 or other suitable attachment methods, asillustrated in FIG. 4. In some cases, the sutures 185 may be made usingradiopaque filament thread, such as platinum iridium thread, to allow amedical practitioner to view the location of the vascular device 100within the body using radio fluoroscopy to facilitate proper deliveryand positioning of the device. For example, the first and second layers120 f, 120 s of the occluding device may be sutured to the inner layer115 i of the tubular device, if desired, as shown in FIG. 4.

Although the occluding structure 120 is depicted in the figures aselliptical for the purposes of explanation (i.e., with a gap between thefirst and second layers 120 f, 120 s in the illustrated cross-sectionalviews), the occluding structure may actually be flattened between theinner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o of the tubular structure due to theoutward forces exerted by the inner and outer layers in both thecontracted state (in which case the forces are directed towards thewalls of the delivery sheath) and the expanded state (in which case theforces are directed towards the walls of the vessel near the targetsite). The seam 165 may be positioned anywhere along the length of theoccluding structure 120. For example, in some cases, the seam 165 may bepositioned near the distal end 175 of the occluding structure 120, asshown in FIG. 9.

Furthermore, the occluding structure 120 may extend, in someembodiments, substantially from the distal end 110 of the vasculardevice (e.g., the end 130 of the tubular structure 115) substantially tothe proximal end 105 (e.g., the free ends 125, 126), as illustrated inFIG. 4. In this way, the gap between the continuous end 130 of thetubular structure 115 and the corresponding end 175 of the occludingstructure 120, as well as between the most proximal portion of thetubular structure and the corresponding end 176 of the occludingstructure, can be minimized, thereby providing greater occlusiveproperties in these areas (e.g., around the occluding structure).

In some embodiments, the occluding structure 120 may be braided usingstrands that consist of or include polymer material. For example, theoccluding structure 120 may be made of polyester fabric. In addition,other parameters may be selected and/or manipulated to maximize theoccluding properties of the occluding structure 120.

Furthermore, the helix angle of the strands (e.g., the angle formedbetween the strand and the longitudinal axis of the braid mandrel as thestrand is applied to the mandrel) used to braid the tubular structure115 may be selected such that, once inverted or everted, the helixangles of the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o are generally aligned,allowing the inner and outer layers to move together as the vasculardevice 100 is contracted and expanded (i.e., contracting and expandingapproximately to the same extent). In this regard, the occludingstructure 120 may also be braided such that, once inverted or evertedand fused to form a continuous structure, the helix angles of theoccluding structure may be substantially aligned with the helix anglesof the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115 o of the tubular structure.Such uniform movement reduces the risk of bunching or gathering of theoccluding structure 120 within the tubular structure 115, which wouldotherwise reduce the effectiveness of vascular device 100 by increasingits delivery profile and/or generating gaps between the various layersof material that may cause leaks.

The occluding structure 120 may further be configured to have the sameor similar pick count as one or both of the inner and outer layers ofthe tubular structure 115 i, 115 o. For example, in some embodiments,the pick count of the occluding structure 120 may be selected tocorrespond to the pick count of a section of the inner and outer layers115 i, 115 o of the tubular structure, such as by being a multiple of(e.g., double) the pick count of the outer layer 115 o. In other words,the tubular structure 115 in this example may be braided using 72strands, whereas the occluding structure 120 may be braided using 144strands. In this way, the helix angle of the strands comprising theoccluding structure 120 may align with (i.e., be similar to) the helixangle of the strands that make up the inner and outer layers 115 i, 115o. Similarly, other parameters of the tubular structure 115 and theoccluding structure 120, including pick count, strand diameter, braidmandrel diameter, number of strands, filament material and composition,and helix angle, may be selected to enhance the cooperation between theoccluding structure and the tubular structure or to otherwise impartdesirable properties to the vascular device.

In some cases, the vascular device 100 may be specifically configured towork with and/or be deployed by a certain type of delivery device. Forexample, embodiments of a delivery device for delivering a vasculardevice to a target site within the human body are described inapplication Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith, the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In the referenceddelivery device, a distal portion 200 (depicted in FIG. 10) may beprovided that is configured to retain a proximal end of the vasculardevice until the vascular device is positioned for deployment at thetarget site.

For example, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11A, the proximal end 105 ofthe vascular device 100 may be retained within a metal sleeve 205between a free-floating ring 210 and a knub 215 formed at the distal endof a pusher wire 220. A pusher band 225, which may be a portion ofincreased thickness integral to or fixedly attached to the pusher wire220 and configured to move with the pusher wire, may be provided toengage the free-floating ring 210 and push the vascular device 100 outof the distal portion 200, as described below. In some cases, asdepicted, a second band 235 may be provided on the other side of thefree-floating ring 210, such that the movement of the free-floating ringis limited on either side by the bands 225, 235. The distal portion 200of the delivery device may, for example, be placed within a deliverysheath 250 that is movable with respect to the distal portion 200. Thus,once at the target site, the delivery sheath 250 may be retracted in thedirection P shown in FIG. 11B to progressively release the distal partof the vascular device 100. To release the proximal end 105 of thevascular device 100, the pusher wire 220 may be advanced in thedirection of the arrow D, as shown in FIG. 11B. When the distal end ofthe pusher band 225 contacts the proximal surface of the free-floatingring 210, the band and the ring can advance distally together as thepusher wire 220 continues to be moved in the direction of arrow D.

This motion eventually causes the distal surface of the ring 210 tocontact the proximal end of the vascular device 100 (shown in FIG. 11C),and continued movement of the pusher wire 220 in the D direction thuspushes the vascular device 100 out of the metal sleeve 205 (shown inFIG. 11D), as the knub 215 (which is attached to and moves with thepusher wire) is no longer restricting the distal opening 230 of themetal sleeve 205. FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate the relative movement of thepusher band 225, free-floating ring 210, and knub 215 with respect tothe proximal end of the vascular device 100 and the metal sleeve 205described above as the pusher wire 220 is advanced in the direction D.

Referring to FIG. 12, the occluding structure 120 of the vascular device100 may include a section of increased thickness 190 that is configuredto maintain the vascular device within the delivery device (e.g., thedistal portion 200 of the delivery device shown in FIG. 10) while theproximal end 105 of the vascular device 100 is positioned between thefree-floating ring 210 and the knub 215. In another embodiment, thesection of increased thickness may be part of the tubular structure 115,rather than the occluding structure 120. Regardless, the increasedthickness 190 may be configured such that the section 190 cannot passout of the distal opening 230 of the metal sleeve 205 until such timethat the knub 215 has been pushed clear of the distal opening 230. Insome cases, the area of increased thickness 190 may be a suture (such assuture 185 in FIG. 4) stitched into the occluding device, a marker bandfor allowing radioscopic monitoring of the location of the end of themarker band, or any other feature that increases a localized thicknessof the occluding device near the proximal end of the device.

Accordingly, as described above, a vascular device 100 may be madehaving a low profile suitable for delivery through a small-diameterdelivery device. For example, in some cases, the vascular device 100 maybe designed to have a diameter that is less than 19 French, or 19 Fr. (3Fr. being equivalent to 1 mm). Thus, in some embodiments, vasculardevices may be configured having an overall diameter of between 12 and17 Fr.

This invention has been described herein in considerable detail in orderto comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in theart with the information needed to apply the novel principles and toconstruct and use embodiments of the example as required. However, it isto be understood that specifically different devices can carry out theinvention and that various modifications can be accomplished withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention itself. For example, optionsshown for one embodiment could easily be applied to other embodiments,as desired for a particular application, without departing from thescope of this invention.

That which is claimed:
 1. A vascular device configured to move between acontracted state when constrained within a delivery device and anexpanded state when deployed from the delivery device for delivery to atarget site within the body lumen, wherein the vascular device includesa proximal end and a distal end, the vascular device comprising: atubular structure comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, whereinthe inner layer defines a first pick count and the outer layer defines asecond pick count, wherein the inner layer of the tubular structure iscontinuously braided with the outer layer of the tubular structure,wherein the first pick count, as braided, is different from the secondpick count, as braided, and wherein the first and second pick counts areselected such that the relationship between the reduction in diameterand the elongation of the inner layer is substantially the same as therelationship between the reduction in diameter and the elongation of theouter layer as the vascular device is moved between the expanded stateand the contracted state.
 2. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein thetubular structure comprises a leading edge at a transition between thefirst pick count and the second pick count, and wherein the leading edgeis disposed proximate the distal end of the vascular device when thevascular device is in the expanded state.
 3. The vascular device ofclaim 2, wherein the leading edge is disposed within an interior of thevascular device when the vascular device is in the contracted state andis configured to move to the distal end as the vascular device isdeployed from the delivery device.
 4. The vascular device of claim 1,wherein each of the inner and outer layers of the tubular structurecomprises a free end proximate the proximal end of the vascular device.5. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the first pick count, asbraided, is higher than the second pick count, as braided.
 6. Thevascular device of claim 1 further comprising an occluding structuredisposed between the inner and outer layers of the tubular structure,wherein the occluding structure is tubular in shape and comprises afirst layer and a second layer disposed between the inner and outerlayers of the tubular structure.
 7. The vascular device of claim 6,wherein the first and second layers of the occluding structure form acontinuous structure via a coupling of free ends of the occludingstructure.
 8. The vascular device of claim 7, wherein the coupled freeends are disposed adjacent the inner layer of the tubular structure. 9.The vascular device of claim 6, wherein the occluding structure isattached to at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer of thetubular structure.
 10. The vascular device of claim 6, wherein theoccluding structure comprises a polymer material.
 11. The vasculardevice of claim 6, wherein the occluding structure extends substantiallyfrom the distal end of the vascular device substantially to the proximalend of the vascular device.
 12. The vascular device of claim 6, whereinthe outer layer of the tubular structure includes a section of increasedthickness configured to maintain the vascular device within a deliverydevice prior to deployment.
 13. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein,in the expanded state, the inner layer of the tubular structure definesa length that is greater than a length defined by the outer layer of thetubular structure.
 14. A method of making a vascular device forplacement in a body lumen comprising: braiding a tubular structureincluding a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximalportion defines a first pick count and the distal portion defines asecond pick count, the first pick count being different than the secondpick count; and folding the tubular structure onto itself such that asurface of the proximal portion of the tubular structure is adjacent asurface of the distal portion of the tubular structure to form an innerlayer and an outer layer, wherein, after being folded, the relationshipbetween the reduction in diameter and the elongation of the inner layeris substantially the same as the relationship between the reduction indiameter and the elongation of the outer layer as the vascular device ismoved between an expanded state and a contracted state.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein the step of folding the tubular structure ontoitself comprises defining a leading edge at a transition between thefirst pick count and the second pick count.
 16. The method of claim 15further comprising heat setting the tubular structure proximate thetransition.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the second pick count islower than the first pick count, and wherein the step of folding thetubular structure onto itself comprises everting the tubular structure,such that the distal portion forms the outer layer.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the second pick count is higher than the first pickcount, and wherein the step of folding the tubular structure onto itselfcomprises inverting the tubular structure, such that the distal portionforms the inner layer.
 19. The method of claim 14 further comprisingplacing an occluding structure between the inner and outer layers of thetubular structure.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprisingattaching the occluding structure to at least one of the inner layer ofthe tubular structure or the outer layer of the tubular structure. 21.The method of claim 19 further comprising forming a section of increasedthickness proximate a distal end of the outer layer of the tubularstructure.
 22. The method of claim 19 further comprising folding theoccluding structure onto itself and coupling the ends thereof togetherto form first and second layers of the occluding structure.
 23. Themethod of claim 22, wherein the coupled ends of the occluding structuredefine a seam, and wherein the seam is disposed proximate the distal endof the tubular structure.
 24. A vascular device for placement in a bodylumen, wherein the vascular device includes a proximal end and a distalend, the vascular device comprising: a tubular structure comprising aninner layer and an outer layer, wherein the tubular structure comprisesbraided metal strands; and an occluding structure comprising a firstlayer and a second layer disposed between the inner and outer layers ofthe tubular structures, wherein the occluding structure is independentof the tubular structure, and wherein the occluding structure comprisesa polymer material.
 25. The vascular device of claim 24, wherein thefirst and second layers of the occluding structure form a continuousstructure via a coupling of free ends of the occluding structure. 26.The vascular device of claim 25, wherein the coupled ends of theoccluding structure define a seam, and wherein the seam is disposedproximate the distal end of the tubular structure.
 27. The vasculardevice of claim 24, wherein the vascular device is configured to movebetween a contracted state when constrained within a delivery device andan expanded state when deployed from the delivery device for delivery toa target site within the body lumen.
 28. The vascular device of claim27, wherein the inner layer of the tubular structure comprises a firstpick count, as braided, and the outer layer of the tubular structurecomprises a second pick count, as braided, and wherein the relationshipbetween the reduction in diameter and the elongation of the inner layeris substantially the same as the relationship between the reduction indiameter and the elongation of the outer layer as the vascular device ismoved between an expanded state and a contracted state.
 29. The vasculardevice of claim 27, wherein the tubular structure comprises a leadingedge at a transition between the first pick count and the second pickcount, and wherein the leading edge is disposed proximate the distal endof the vascular device when the vascular device is in the expandedstate.
 30. The vascular device of claim 29, wherein the leading edge isdisposed in an interior of the vascular device when the vascular deviceis in the contracted state and is configured to move toward the distalend as the vascular device is deployed from the delivery device.
 31. Amethod of making a vascular device for placement in a body lumencomprising: braiding a tubular structure including a proximal portionand a distal portion; folding the tubular structure onto itself suchthat a surface of the proximal portion of the tubular structure isadjacent a surface of the distal portion of the tubular structure toform an inner layer and an outer layer; folding an occluding structureonto itself, wherein the occluding structure is independent of thetubular structure; and placing the occluding structure between the innerand outer layers of the tubular members.
 32. The method of claim 31further comprising coupling ends of the occluding structure together toform first and second layers of the occluding structure.
 33. The methodof claim 32, wherein the coupled ends of the occluding structure definea seam, and wherein the seam is disposed proximate the distal end of thetubular structure.
 34. The method of claim 31 further comprisingattaching the occluding structure to at least one of the inner layer orthe outer layer of the tubular structure to hold the occluding structurein place.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the proximal portion ofthe tubular structure defines a first pick count and the distal portionof the tubular structure defines a second pick count, wherein the firstpick count, as braided, is different from the second pick count, asbraided, and the relationship between the reduction in diameter and theelongation of the inner layer is substantially the same as therelationship between the reduction in diameter and the elongation of theouter layer as the vascular device is moved between an expanded stateand a contracted state.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the step offolding the tubular structure onto itself comprises defining a leadingedge at a transition between the first pick count and the second pickcount.